Using as a framework the theory of the ecology of language formulated by Einar Haugen, compares two Finnish minorities in Sweden, one which ceased to exist in the middle of this century and one, the Tornedal Finnish minority, which still exists. Discusses circumstances favorable to the preservation of Finnish in the Tornedal. (SED)

Discusses the way the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation treats the Norwegian dialects of bokmal and nynorsk and the minority languages of the Same people (Laps) and immigrants who have arrived during the last two decades. Describes the Corporation's language rules for the use of the dialects and the Laps' and the immigrants' languages. (SED)

Discusses the problems encountered in defining a language minority. Lists four basic criteria common to all language minorities: (1) self-categorization; (2) common descent; (3) distinctive linguistic, cultural, or historical traits related to language; and (4) social organization which places the group in a minority position. (SED)

The National Council for Mother Tongue Teaching presents its response to the Swann Report, with particular reference to the report's discussion of the role of ethnic minority languages in Great Britain. The Council concludes that the thinking of the Swann Report is far behind that of current research and educational trends. (SED)

Recent criticism of ethnolinguistic vitality and the Subjective Vitality Questionnaire developed to assess vitality perceptions is discussed and refuted. The concept of ethnolinguistic vitality emerged as an application of social psychology to ethnic intergroup relations and is proposed as a construct for various ethnic, social, and language…

Examines statistics on minority illiteracy from the 1990 Chinese national census across age groups in relation to China's changing language policy among three types of minority communities: those with writing systems of historically broad usage; those with historically limited usage; and those without functional writing systems. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the school's contribution to the transmission of cultural heritage, focusing on curriculum content rather than on language issues. The kind of conceptual framework within which overt and hidden curriculum analysis might be carried out is suggested. (SED)

Discusses bilingualism and six attitude scales representing the London Asian community's feelings toward English: (1) anxiety about performance in English, (2) value of English in the total community, (3) suitability of English in religious observances, (4) role of home in encouraging English, (5) a pro-own-language attitude, and (6) usefulness of…

Contrasts two language ideologies, one associating language with individual identity and the other associating language with specific territory, in terms of their effect upon language ecology. Shows that there is an unacknowledged conflict between these two ideologies. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the politics of bilingual education for minorities in China. The article notes that such education has been provided in some minority schools as a part of the government's policy to improve relationships with ethnic minorities in China. (24 references) (Author/CK)

Using acid rain as a metaphor, discusses the status of the Frisian language and culture as one which, though apparently thriving, is really threatened. Examines the sources of this threat, i.e., the education system, the church, mass communication and transportation, and the demise of the Frisian village community. (SED)

Asserts that in order to participate in and contribute to the development of a cohesive multicultural society, it is not necessary for the members of minority groups to become monolingual speakers of English, and that the goal of a multicultural society should be to appreciate the value of each cultural group. (SED)

Responds to three articles that appeared in the same journal in 1984 which dealt with Great Britain's multi-ethnic society. Compares Great Britain's situation with the current school population of the United States and shows how a number of teacher training institutions are preparing teachers for the expanding multilingual and multi-ethnic body.…

Attempts to find new ways of describing and analyzing dynamic interactions in country of origin, host country, and immigrant community caused by migration. Analyzes linguistic models, concept of culture, emigration psychology, and identity formation. (Author/BK)

The results of the social behavior inventory which was administered to Anglo-American and Latvian American children showed that both groups chose answers in the cooperative direction, but that the Latvian sample was somewhat more competitive in nature than the American. (PJM)